Portrait Lens?

[viper699]

A friend needs some basic portrait/head shots done.

I've not shot this type of subject matter, I'm a landscape/nature shooter.

Could I use my D5500's Nikon 18-140mm for this application?

If so, anything I should be aware of in using this lens for such shots?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Wahrsager]

A friend needs some basic portrait/head shots done.

I've not shot this type of subject matter, I'm a landscape/nature shooter.

Could I use my D5500's Nikon 18-140mm for this application?

Of course! You can shoot a portrait with an iPhone.

If so, anything I should be aware of in using this lens for such shots?

Just choose a f/stop and a focal length that flatters the subject.

Thanks in advance.

 

[qunamax]

Try anywhere between 50mm and 140mm, depending on how flat do you want a face too look. Because it's not a fast lens you'll have to choose a background wisely not to be too distracting, try putting the subject as far away from background as possible and as simple as possible.
Shoot wide open for a chosen focal length to separate head as much as possible, it will be in center so sharpness shouldn't be such a problem, you can always do some post selective sharpening.
Use soft light, if all you have is ambience - windows with no direct sunlight and cloudy days are your friend.

 

[youta]

Try anywhere between 50mm and 140mm, depending on how flat do you want a face too look. Because it's not a fast lens you'll have to choose a background wisely not to be too distracting, try putting the subject as far away from background as possible and as simple as possible.
Shoot wide open for a chosen focal length to separate head as much as possible, it will be in center so sharpness shouldn't be such a problem, you can always do some post selective sharpening.
Use soft light, if all you have is ambience - windows with no direct sunlight and cloudy days are your friend.

Absolutely. My go-to portrait lens is a 85/D on a D80, f 2.2-2.5 using the soft glow of overcast skies:

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www.reimeika.ca

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www.reimeika.ca

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www.reimeika.ca

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www.reimeika.ca

It's old, outdated equipment, but I'm quite content with the results. Your D5500 would be much better, although I am unfamiliar with the 18-140mm (but it should be fine regardless).

Good luck!

Marco

 

[trac63]

A friend needs some basic portrait/head shots done.

I've not shot this type of subject matter, I'm a landscape/nature shooter.

Could I use my D5500's Nikon 18-140mm for this application?

If so, anything I should be aware of in using this lens for such shots?

Thanks in advance.

Honestly?

For portrait photography your camera or lens does not make that much of a difference. I'd just use the 18-140mm and spend my money on lighting and backgrounds, but that's just me.

:-D

 

[qunamax]

Try anywhere between 50mm and 140mm, depending on how flat do you want a face too look. Because it's not a fast lens you'll have to choose a background wisely not to be too distracting, try putting the subject as far away from background as possible and as simple as possible.
Shoot wide open for a chosen focal length to separate head as much as possible, it will be in center so sharpness shouldn't be such a problem, you can always do some post selective sharpening.
Use soft light, if all you have is ambience - windows with no direct sunlight and cloudy days are your friend.

Absolutely. My go-to portrait lens is a 85/D on a D80, f 2.2-2.5 using the soft glow of overcast skies:

https://www.reimeika.ca/page/portfolio?img_id=DSC_45674.jpg

https://www.reimeika.ca/page/portfolio?img_id=DSC_42656.jpg

https://www.reimeika.ca/page/portfolio?img_id=DSC_39440.jpg

https://www.reimeika.ca/page/portfolio?img_id=DSC_46857.jpg

It's old, outdated equipment, but I'm quite content with the results. Your D5500 would be much better, although I am unfamiliar with the 18-140mm (but it should be fine regardless).

Good luck!

Marco

Love them all, amazing!

 

[viper699]

Thank you all for the info. Like I said, never shot people, so this is new. I never shoot people ever.

 

[GlennW]

Thank you all for the info. Like I said, never shot people, so this is new. I never shoot people ever.

Take your 18-140 to the zoo and take as many pictures of people as you do zoo animals. When you get home see what FL you like best.